LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — As the cost of groceries and basic necessities continues to rise, local organizations across Central Arkansas are stepping up to make sure families don’t go hungry. From full-service food banks to neighborhood pantries and community fridges, here’s a guide to some of the key food-assistance resources available in the Little Rock area.
Arkansas Foodbank
- Address: 4301 W. 65th Street, Little Rock
- Phone: 501-565-8121 | arkansasfoodbank.org
The Arkansas Foodbank serves as the primary hunger-relief hub for Central and Southern Arkansas, partnering with hundreds of agencies, pantries, and meal programs. Through its “Find Food” tool, residents can locate nearby food pantries and community meal sites by ZIP code.
The organization distributes millions of pounds of food annually and also offers programs targeting children, seniors, and veterans. For help, visit their website or text FINDFOOD to 844-381-3663 to locate resources close to home.
The Helping Hand of Greater Little Rock
- Address: 1601 Marshall Street, Little Rock
- Phone: 501-372-4388 | lrhelpinghand.com
- Hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Located in the heart of downtown, Helping Hand provides food boxes, clothing, and limited financial assistance to those in crisis. The pantry serves individuals and families in Pulaski County and strives to meet emergency needs quickly — often waiving documentation requirements on a first visit.
In addition to food support, Helping Hand operates a thrift store where proceeds help sustain its outreach programs.
City Center Food Pantry
- Address: 315 N Shackleford Road, Little Rock
- Phone: 501-396-3333 | citycenterlr.org
- Hours: Pantry open Tuesdays, 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; reservations taken Mondays, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
Run by a network of local churches, City Center’s pantry operates by reservation to ensure families receive tailored assistance. Residents of Little Rock ZIP codes can call ahead on Mondays to reserve a pick-up time for Tuesday distribution…